The red 2011 wines are all quite accessible and charming, and all wines have very nice nuanced pinot aromas. The fruits in the 2011 Pacalet wines is juicy, and the expression of the terroir is very good, as the wines are quite transparent. The acidity is quite fresh and vith a good nerve – quite promising.

The whites are somewhat mixed, as the Meursaults are more dense and heavy, while the Puligny’s, the Chassagne and the Corton Charlemagne all are very fresh with a juicy fruit and a nervy acidity.

Notes from tasting May 3rd 2012 – Red grand cru 2011 from cask

Charmes Chambertin 2011

The Charmes Chambertin is currently quite reduced in the nose, thus difficult to taste. In the bouquet some elements of raspberries and strawberries. On the palate layers of sweet ripe pinot fruit. A juicy wine with a good depth and length. A very fine wine.

Fine to Very Fine (92 – 94p) CASK

Ruchotte Chambertin 2011

The Ruchotte Chambertin is very accessible and ready to taste. In the nose layers of fine red pinot aromas – raspberries, cherries – spiced with cinnamon and allspice. On the palate very long and refined, with a lovely juicy jelly pinot fruit. A lovely play between the delicate pinot flavors and the fine minerality. A very fine and delicate wine.

Very Fine (93 – 94p) CASK

Echezeaux 2011

The Echezeaux is a relatively new wine from Pacalet – made from the two climates Troux and Clos St. Denis located on the Vosne side of Echezeaux. In the nose strawberries, raspberries and black cherries with notes of violets and and other Vosne spices. On the palate layers of rich and juicy fruit,. A bit on the masculine side compared to the Ruchotte Chambertin, with a good firm structure and very fine depth in the fruit. Very fine and refined.

Very Fine (93 – 94p) CASK

Notes from tasting May 3rd 2012 – whites 2011 from cask

Nuits-Saint-Georges Blanc 2011

The NSG blanc is made from pinot blanc, thus making it quite different than the other Pacalet whites. In the nose apple, pear with notes of grapefruit, citrus and gooseberries. On the palate quite a powerfull fresh acidity, with a good expression of the terroir. Good fruit and balance.

Good (86 – 87p) CASK

Chassagne-Montrachet 2011

The Chassagne-Montrachet is a lovely balanced wine. In the bouquet pear and citrus with a slight hint of hazelnuts. On the palate lovely fresh acidity, good balance and length. The midpalate concentration is good, with lovely pure fruit aromas. Quite delightful.

Very Good (87 – 89p) CASK

Meursault 2011

The Meursault 2011 is a quite a heavy and “hot” wine. In the nose apple, pear with citrus aromas. On the palate quite dense ripe fruit, the acidity is fine, but the quite high alcohol content is also present in the finish. I’m really not happy about high alcohol burgundies, and this is a borderline case. Need to retaste after bottling.

Good (85 – 88p) CASK

Puligny-Montrachet 2011

The Puligny 2011 is a wonderfully fresh wine. In the bouquet fresh apple and pear aromas, with citrus notes – grapefruit and lemon. On the palate crisp and elegant fruit and minerality. Very good balance and a juicy expression of the fruit.

Very Good (88 – 90p) CASK

Puligny-Montrachet, Champ Gain2011

The Puligny Champ Gain is a step up from the village wine, but with the same fine qualities. In the bouquet some reduction – quite toasted – with apple, pear and citrus notes as the primary aromas. On the palate very good concentration and minerality – a fresh and juicy wine. A fine wine.

Fine (90 – 92p) CASK

Meursault, Perrieres 2011

The Meursault Perrieres is like the village Meursault a quite heavy and “hot” wine. In the bouquet citrus, melon, pear with notes of chestnuts. On the palate excellent minerality and a good acidity. The fruit is quite dense and rich, but balanced with the fine minerality. The alcohol is however a quite dominant element in the wine – and is currently taking over in the finish. To high on alcohol for my palate – but otherwise a fine wine. Need to retaste after bottling.

Good+ (86 – 90p) CASK

Corton Charlemagne 2011

The Corton Charlemagne 2011 is a classical white Corton. In the nose fine ripe fruit, with notes of melon, pear, citrus and chalk. On the palate a quite lush fruit, but also a strong mineralic backbone and a fresh and zappy acidity. A lovely classic and balanced wine.

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